The weather was perfect! The thunderstorms held off and the sun was peeking through. The event schedule began with day-of-registration opening at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand Valley Community Centre. There were 83 participants: 73 in the 10K and 10 walkers. There were 62 pre-registered and 24 signed up on the day. Three registrants did not run.
After being led through a warm-up exercise routine by Tara Imerson, 24 youngsters were clearly thrilled to “compete” in the Kids’ Fun Run – hosted by ACTS Fitness. All wore bib #1 and all received a participation ribbon.
Runners in the main event were treated to “Zumba”, an energetic musical warm-up session, led by Liz Glenday of Access Fitness.
The registration team smoothly handled waivers, registrants, cashbox, bibs and technical shirt handouts. Phillip Hipkiss on the p.a. system kept all entertained, informed and on schedule during the pre-race activities and later at the award presentations. Recorded music managed by Robert Collin Jr. in the background accompanied the buzz of activity.
Race Director, Bob Collin briefed the runners on the route and sounded the horn at 10:00 a.m. for the opening charge through downtown Grand Valley. Just 35 minutes 50 seconds later Aaron Prieur of Guelph crossed the finish line beating the course record of May 29, 2011 and winning $50. Heather Pady was the fastest woman with a time of 43:35 also beating the course record for women. An hour after Aaron the last runner made it home.
The computerized manual timing handled by Marisa Hoculik with Kelly Warren on clip-board made sure each runner got the correct time. It went so smoothly!
Post-race celebrations included a BBQ provided by the Grand Valley Lions and presentation of medals by Project Manager, Margery Cruise. Overall and age group winners also received valuable prizes.
Preparations for the event required involving the community. Several local businesses contributed goods, sponsorship dollars, and race day support. Among volunteering individuals were high school students accumulating “community service hours”. The measured 10 km course included 1.6 km of rail-trail, 1 thru 9 kilometer markers, and 3 water stations serviced by Elizabeth Taylor representing the Town of East Luther Grand Valley and the Upper Grand Trailway Association. We used over 80 traffic cones, 7 Race in Progress signs, 20 marshals at intersections, and 4 marshals on bicycle.
Dufferin O.P.P. and Dufferin E.M.S. were on site for the duration of event and we were aware of no incidents or injuries. Event insurance was in place.
Local groups providing considerable support and involvement included Upper Grand Trailway Association, Grand Valley Air Cadets, and the Grand Valley Lions. The event showed a net profit which was gifted back to these three organizations to support specific projects. Some monies were held in reserve for Run Dufferin’s project to “get kids running”.
The Bronze sponsors were Mountain Equipment Co-op in Barrie, Running Free in Orangeville, Orangeville Hydro and Grand Valley Drug Store.
Run Dufferin and the Chase the Tornado event were supported by Motion in Council by both the East Luther-Grand Valley Town Council and the Amaranth Town Council.
The demographics of the 71 runners show: 36 females & 35 males; 5 under age 20; 4 age 20-29; 29 age 30-39; 15 age 40-49; 11 age 50-59; 7 over age 60. By hometown 53 runners live in the Headwaters area, 7 from Grand Valley-Waldemar, 29 from Orangeville and 8 from Shelburne. There were 21 other Ontario towns represented including Brampton, Toronto, Guelph, Kitchener, and Stratford.
Race results are available at RoadRaceResults.com and ChasetheTornado.com with photos also posted on the latter site. A brief survey is being conducted and the results will be posted on the Run Dufferin website.
We consider this event a success, and anticipate a Chase the Tornado event in 2013.
